The Australian Constitution
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 25 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- The Constitution (Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900) is the legal document setting out the basic rules for the government of Australia — the supreme law.
- It was passed as part of a British Act of Parliament in 1900 and came into effect on 1 January 1901.
- It established the Parliament (House of Representatives + Senate) and the High Court, which has ultimate power to apply and interpret the laws.
- The Constitution can only be changed by a referendum. In 1967, more than 90% voted ‘Yes’ to count Aboriginal peoples in the Census.
- A referendum needs a double majority: a majority of voters in a majority of states AND a majority of voters across the nation.
Our Common Bond, p. 25
Sample practice questions
Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.
1. What is the Australian Constitution?
- The legal document that lists the laws passed by the Australian Parliament
- The agreement signed with Britain in 1788 that set up the first colony
- The legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia
Show answer
Answer: C. The legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia
The Australian Constitution is the legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia.
Our Common Bond, p. 25
2. How can the Australian Constitution be changed?
- By the Prime Minister with Cabinet approval
- By the people voting in a referendum
- By the High Court in a special hearing
Show answer
Answer: B. By the people voting in a referendum
The Australian people can change the Constitution by voting in a referendum.
Our Common Bond, p. 25
3. What is the full name of the Australian Constitution?
- The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900
- The Commonwealth of Australia Federation Act 1901
- The Australian Constitution and Rights Act 1967
Show answer
Answer: A. The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900
The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (Australian Constitution) is the legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia.
Our Common Bond, p. 25
Practise all 11 questions on this topic